Savage trounces Hannity in key markets

(POLITICO) Sean Hannity has long been right-wing radio’s dominant silver medalist, second only to the untouchable Rush Limbaugh. So when Michael Savage, his new competitor in afternoon drivetime, started throwing punches in the hopes of ginning up a public feud, Hannity demurred.

But now the first month’s numbers are in, and in at least five of nation’s largest markets, Savage is not only beating Hannity — he’s trouncing him.

In January, in the coveted 25-to-54 year-old demographic, Savage beat and in some cases doubled Hannity’s average quarter-hour (AQH) audience, according to new Nielsen numbers provided by an industry insider.